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While Death Valley is a whole lot of exquisite desert, there isn’t a whole lot of sleeping accommodations available.  However, if you plan ahead, you’ll experience some the most remarkable lodging and camping. You’ll be surprised at how nice some are, too.

There are the most modest campgrounds to the most luxurious hotel.  All are special in it’s own way. But, if you plan on going during peak season, which is October to May, you’ll have to make reservations months in advance. Here are some options..

 

 

Stovepipe Wells Village

Located right inside of Death Valley, Stovepipe Wells was built in 1926 and consists of an authentic, western themed hotel with a pool, Toll Road restaurant,  Badwater Saloon ( which we love!), Nugget Gift Shop and The General Store with a gas station. It’s a perfect spot to relax, dine and lodge, after exploring Death Valley!

 

Stovepipe Wells hotel offers 83 rooms, some with amazing views of the Mesquite Flat Dunes and surrounding mountains.  No resort fees and limited wi-fi. Free breakfast in November.  Meeting Room for social events.This hotel is open year round.  760-786-2387.  51880 Highway 190, Death Valley, CA 92328

 

 

 

 

Panamint Springs Resort

This family owned, rustic resort is located in the gorgeous Panamint Valley of Death Valley National Park.  This small resort has only 15 modest rooms, which makes this hotel affordable.  There’s a small restaurant and bar, gift shop, store and gas station on the premises. Camping and Rv services are available, as well.  Panamint Springs Resort is pet friendly.  However, only bring your pet when the weather is manageable!  775-482-7680. 40440 Highway CA-190, Darwin, CA 93522

 

 

The Ranch at Furnace Creek

Family friendly Furnace Creek Ranch is probably the most popular lodging in Death Valley.  It’s a super busy resort, with so much to do on and around the spacious grounds.  With 224 rooms scattered though out the resort, there’s plenty of room for small and big families.

You’ll feel like you’re back in the 1800’s, as you walk around this western themed resort. There are cabins, as well as, standard and deluxe rooms in two story buildings.  If you prefer camping, there’s a campgrounds, with limited RV space, surrounding the resort.

 

Golfing the below sea level 18-hole golf course is just one of many things to do at this resort.  The popular spring fed pool is always popular. There are basketball, volleyball and tennis courts.  Horse back  riding and carriage rides are offered from Oct. til May. There’s a playground for the little ones, too!  Bike rentals are available.  There’s also The Borax Museum at The Ranch, cool!

 

As for dining, there a variety of good restaurants at The Ranch!  There’s the delicious  Wrangler Steakhouse. There’s the American fare, 49’er Cafe, known for it’s breakfast and lunch.  The Corkscrew Salon serves delicious pizza, hot dogs, burgers, wings.  Kids of all age, love it!  At the golf course, you’ll find a tasty bar and grill, The 19th Hole.  There’s also room service, if you just want to eat in your room.  Lots of options!  Tourists visiting from all over Death Valley come here to dine!

 

 

The Ranch at Furnace Creek is open year round.  Plan ahead, if you’ll be visiting from October to May, because this resort is quite popular! 1-800-236-7916 for reservations.

 

 

 

The Inn at Furnace Creek

It’s so crazy to think that there’s an upscale hotel in Death Valley, when this desert seems so desolate and remote.  However, it’s quite brilliant that there is! It was literally built around a true oasis, so perfect!  The unique, old Inn has 3 natural springs on the property, that nourishes1500 date and fan palms on the property.

Located at the base of the Funeral Mountains along the California-Nevada Stateline, this Spanish style Inn was built in the 1920’s. There are 66 sleeping accommodations, including standard and deluxe rooms, suites and pool bungalow.  All comfortable and luxurious!  Some have decks, terraces or spa tubs.

One of my favorite things about The Inn is their gorgeous dining room.  We love getting dressed up on Thanksgiving and dine at one of the world’s most remote restaurants. Casual attire isn’t acceptable, so be sure to pack upscale attire for this dining experience.. The food is topnotch, too! There’s also the Oasis Lounge, if you prefer to be casual and room service, if you just want to hang inside your room.

 

Plenty of activities can be found, including spa treatments, board games in the lobby and swimming in the beautiful natural spring fed pool!  You can dine by the pool, while enjoying a day of swimming.  There are 2 gigantic fireplaces, where we love to keep warm and make smores in the evening.  Truly special!

 

Staying at The Furnace Creek Inn doesn’t come cheap.  You’ll spend no less than $200 a night and you’ll need to book early, because the Inn is small.  The Inn is only open from October to May. It’s a once in a lifetime experience (or several, in our case!) and it’s just over a 2 hour drive from Las Vegas, no excuse!  Put in on your bucket list now! 1-800-236-7916 for reservations.

 

 

 

Camping in Death Valley

Death Valley has 9 campgrounds within the national park.  The campgrounds here are mostly rustic and some are just open gravel landscapes, where you can set up camp.  However, camping in Death Valley is truly a popular, unique and beautiful experience.

 

One of the most popular campgrounds is Texas Spring Campground near Furnace Creek which is centrally located.  Only one campground takes reservations and that’s the Furnace Creek campground.  Some campgrounds are free some have a fee.  Some are year round, some are seasonal.  Here is a list of campgrounds.

• Furnace Creek Campground – 136 sites.  Open year round. $18 per night. Portable water, fire pits, flush toilets, picnic tables.
• Emigrant Campground – 10 sites.  Open year round.  No fee.  Portable water, picnic tables, flush toilets
• Thorndike Campground – 6 sites.  Open March til November.  No fee. Fire pits. Picnic Tables, pit toilets.
• Mesquite Springs Campground – 30 sites.  Open year round.  $12 per night.  Portable water, fire pits, flush toilets, picnic tables.
• Mahogany Flats Campground – 10 sites.  Open March til November.  No fee.  Fire pits. Pit Toilets. Picnic tables.
• Wildrose Campground – 23 sites.  Open year round.  No fee.  Picnic tables, pit toilets, fire pits, portable water.
• Sunset Campground – 270 sites.  Open Oct til April.  $12 per night. Portable water. Flush toilets.
• Texas Springs Campground – 92 sites.  Open Oct til April.  $14 per night.  Portable water.  Picnic tables. Fire Pits.  Flush toilets.

 

One other spectacular spot, further out inDeath Valley, I highly recommend for camping is The Eureka Dunes. It’s remote, quiet and far from the groves of tourists.  There are a handful of spots.  Portable toilets, picnic tables and fire pit and no fee.  Four wheel drive vehicle highly recommended.

 

 

To make reservations for The Furnace Creek Campground, call 1-877-444-6777.  All others is first come, first serve. Enjoy your stay!